Grip and pinch strength among different groups of Brazilian Air Force pilots

Abstract

Pilots from Brazilian Air Force Academy (AFA) perform strentgth- and accuracy-demanding hand movements, which may modify muscle strength. The aim of this study was to analyse hand isometric strength of grip and pulp-to-pulp, tripode and lateral pinch in three groups of male AFA pilots: ADS (Air Demonstration Squadron), n=15; IP (instructor pilots), n=16; and TP (training pilots), n=6. Pilots body positioning during tests followed the standards of the American Society of Hand Therapists; the sequence of assessed movements was predefined in order to prevent muscle fatigue. The maximum isometric muscle force was collected in a contraction kept for 6 seconds. As to grip, results show significant differences within all groups, favouring dominant hands; also, mean ADS grip values were significantly higher than the other groups'. Tripode pinch ADS mean values were significantly higher than training pilots'; and dominant hands significantly overtopped non- dominant ones in ADS and IP groups. It may thus be said that specific hand muscle training during flight, as well as training specialization and duration influence hand isometric muscle strength.